In a remarkable turnaround, seven-time Formula One world champion Lewis Hamilton dominated both practice sessions for the inaugural Las Vegas Grand Prix, just two weeks after enduring one of the worst race weekends of his illustrious career in Brazil. The Mercedes driver topped the timesheets ahead of teammate George Russell in the first session and McLaren’s Lando Norris in the second, sending a strong message that he’s far from finished despite his recent struggles.
Hamilton’s blistering pace was all the more impressive given his dejected state after the Brazilian Grand Prix, where he finished a disappointing 10th and later admitted he had considered ending his 12-year stint with Mercedes. “We all know that Lewis wears his heart on the sleeve,” team principal Toto Wolff revealed. “It was such a bad experience for him, that whole race weekend in Brazil, and particularly the Sunday, he said something that wasn’t, in a way, unusual.”
Hamilton’s Resurgence Amid Challenging Season
The 39-year-old’s dominant display in Las Vegas practice was a much-needed boost for both driver and team. Despite ending his two-and-a-half-year winless streak at the British Grand Prix in July, Hamilton currently languishes in seventh place in the drivers’ championship, 203 points adrift of Max Verstappen and one position behind teammate Russell. The Las Vegas performance, however, hinted at a potential resurgence for the sport’s most successful driver.
I am feeling pretty good. That is the first time I have had a day like that this year. The car was feeling really good in P1 and in P2 less so. We have work to do overnight.
– Lewis Hamilton on his Las Vegas practice performance
Verstappen Struggles as Title Looms
In contrast to Hamilton’s success, championship leader Max Verstappen endured a challenging day in the Nevada desert. The Dutchman, who can clinch his fourth consecutive world title by outscoring Lando Norris on Saturday, finished fifth in the opening session and a lowly 17th in the second, two seconds off Hamilton’s pace as he wrestled with an unruly Red Bull machine.
Smooth Running in Sin City
Unlike last year’s inaugural event, which was marred by a loose drain cover that damaged Carlos Sainz’s Ferrari and delayed proceedings, Thursday’s practice sessions ran smoothly. The packed grandstands bore witness to Hamilton’s resurgence, while the neon-lit Las Vegas Strip provided a spectacular backdrop for Formula One’s latest venture into the American market.
Looking Ahead to Qualifying and the Race
As the Las Vegas Grand Prix weekend unfolds, all eyes will be on Hamilton to see if he can maintain his practice form and challenge for a first victory since July. Meanwhile, Verstappen will be seeking to bounce back from his uncharacteristically poor showing and seal the title in style. With the glitz and glamour of Las Vegas as the stage, the scene is set for a thrilling chapter in this intriguing F1 season.
As I said heading into this weekend, I know it is not my driving.
– A defiant Lewis Hamilton on his Las Vegas performance
Whether Hamilton’s Las Vegas practice dominance translates into a much-needed victory remains to be seen, but one thing is certain: the seven-time champion is far from ready to relinquish his crown without a fight. As the bright lights of the Strip illuminate the track, the stage is set for a captivating battle between the sport’s elder statesman and its young pretender.
